FPN Berlin

FPN is a German free-to-air regional television channel based in Berlin that is managed by Sender Freies Berlin (SFB). It is one of the eight regional channels of the national ARD organisation, which are in turn operated by separate broadcasting institutions.

FPN launched on 18 April 1934 as Fernsehsender Paul Nipkow, a name that was shortened to FPN in 1954.

History
FPN launched to the public on 18 April 1934 inside of the Kroll Opera House, however regular transmissions would not begin until 22 March 1935.

Despite many bombings and air raids occurring in Berlin at the time and signals from outside the city being destroyed, the station’s transmitter received very little damage and continued use for broadcasting.

By 1944, FPN resorted to broadcasting pre-existing material, since a majority of its staff were deployed for military service. As a result, most of the station's employees were women. The following year, the channel's headquarters was invaded by the Red Army, who promptly demanded that they would cease all operations. However, the staff intervened by convincing them that they would use the medium in favor of the Allies.

The station continued after a strike in 1953 and shortened its name to FPN.